‘It’s scary’: Story Hill neighbors call for pedestrian safety as Brewers head to World Series
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As the Milwaukee Brewers head to the World Series for the first time since 1982, Story Hill neighbors are raising concerns about pedestrian safety as more fans travel through the neighborhood on game days.
Tim Decker said he and his girlfriend, Patti, nearly were hit by a car while crossing near 53rd St. and Wisconsin Avenue when the Brewers clinched their World Series spot.
“It’s scary, I’m afraid somebody’s going to get hit,” Decker said.
Decker said a driver came toward them at a high speed as they crossed the intersection.
“There was a guy down that way, and he was coming down pretty fast. He had more than 10 car lengths and he came right at us, and I stepped in front of Patti and he hit the food right out of my hand,” Decker said.
In March, two pedestrians were hit by a drunk driver on Brewers' Opening Day, according to police.
After that incident, Rachel Brosseau, founder of Story Hill Connect, began helping fans cross the street on game days.
Brosseau said the volunteers were recently told by Milwaukee police to stop because they were not trained. Milwaukee police have not independently confirmed that information.
“I thought we did a really good job of getting traffic to yield to the pedestrians; we probably had at least 100 fans that we helped safely across the street. Nobody got hit, nobody got hurt,” Brosseau said.
Brosseau, Decker and Patti demonstrated how they cross the intersection for the report. During the demonstration, one driver failed to stop.
“Stop!" Brosseau said.
The three said an officer nearby was the first they had seen at the intersection.
They hope to see more police patrols in the area and want drivers to slow down and yield to pedestrians.
“Especially on game days, but always slow down when you see flashing lights, pedestrians trying to get across the street and signage telling you to yield to pedestrians,” Brosseau said.
District 10 Alderwoman Sharlen Moore sent a statement to CBS 58 saying pedestrian safety is a priority as more visitors come to Milwaukee for the World Series.
“I am excited that residents and visitors are in our great city to support and cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers as they play in the World Series. With the influx of visitors and vehicular traffic, I have heard multiple concerns from residents that live in the Story Hill neighborhood about the need for increased pedestrian safety. Every pedestrian deserves to be safe while crossing the street and that is why the Milwaukee Police Department has made it a priority to increase the number of officers assigned to the area along Wisconsin Avenue. Safety in and around the Brewers Stadium is a priority and I am glad to have the support of MPD to ensure that everyone walking on our streets are safe. Go Brewers!”
A request for comment from Milwaukee police about adding more patrols at the intersection has not received a response.